Frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall defined the atmosphere for Week 15, turning Sunday’s games into a showcase of grit, resilience, and dramatic swings. With the playoff picture tightening, every matchup carried extra weight, and the results delivered a mix of stunning comebacks, shocking eliminations, and record‑tying performances.
Bills Rally for Epic Victory Over Patriots
The Buffalo Bills stormed back from a 21‑0 deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 35‑31, a turnaround that kept their AFC East hopes alive on the road. Josh Allen finished with three passing touchdowns, while James Cook added two rushing scores, giving the Bills five straight touchdowns in the final 6:48 of play. The comeback also snapped New England’s 10‑game winning streak, leaving the Patriots at 11‑3 and one game behind the Bills in the division.
- Josh Allen: 3 passing TDs
- James Cook: 2 rushing TDs
- Patriots’ record: 11‑3, streak of 10 wins ended
- Bills’ record after win: 10‑4, one game behind the Patriots
Drake Maye’s early performance was a highlight, completing 14 of 23 passes for 155 yards and throwing an interception, yet he also rushed for two touchdowns in the opening quarter. The Patriots’ streak of victory was finally broken, adding a dose of reality to their stretch‑run ambitions.
Chiefs Fall, Mahomes Injured
Kansas City’s fate was sealed when the Chiefs were eliminated from postseason contention for the first time since 2014. Trailing the Los Angeles Chargers 16‑13 in the closing minutes, Patrick Mahomes suffered a knee injury and left the field for the locker room. The Chargers capitalized with an interception of Gardner Minshew, sealing the win and ending the Chiefs’ season at 10‑4.
- Mahomes: 16 of 28 for 189 yards, 1 interception
- Chiefs’ rushing average: 2.3 yards per carry on 21 attempts
- Chiefs’ record after loss: 10‑4, out of playoff contention
The injury and loss marked a turning point for the franchise, as the Chiefs’ offensive struggles and defensive lapses culminated in a season that fell short of expectations.
Ravens Dominate Bengals, Keep Hope Alive
Baltimore’s defense and running game were on full display as the Ravens shut out the Cincinnati Bengals 24‑0. Derrick Henry rushed for 100 yards and returned a 95‑yard interception for a touchdown, while the team’s overall defensive effort kept the Bengals scoreless.
- Ravens’ record after win: 7‑7
- Bengals’ record after loss: 4‑10, eliminated from playoffs
- Bengals’ losing streak: 8 straight games
- Bengals’ close‑game losses: 4 games lost by 6 points or fewer
The win kept the Ravens in the hunt for the final three games of the season, while the Bengals’ season ended with a disappointing finish after a string of narrow defeats.
Browns Crush Bears, Garrett Nears Record
The Cleveland Browns demolished the Chicago Bears 31‑3, with rookie Shedeur Sanders intercepted three times and completing only 14 of 29 passes. On the defensive side, Myles Garrett added 1.5 sacks, bringing his season total to 21.5 and one short of tying the NFL record.
- Myles Garrett’s sacks: 21.5 (one shy of record)
- Browns’ record after win: 10‑4, first double‑digit win season since 2018
- Bears’ record after loss: 3‑11, finished season 3‑11
- Caleb Williams: 17 of 28 for 242 yards, 2 TDs
- D’Andre Swift: 98 yards, 2 TDs
The victory showcased the Browns’ defensive dominance and highlighted Garrett’s elite pass‑rushing ability, while the Bears struggled to keep pace.
Jaguars and Texans Secure AFC South
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans both won their Week 15 games, cementing their positions in the AFC South race. Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars to a 48‑20 victory over the New York Jets, completing 20 of 32 passes for 330 yards, throwing five touchdowns, rushing once, and avoiding any turnovers.
- Jacksonville’s record: 10‑4, first 10‑win season since 2017
- Jaguars’ streak: 5 straight wins
In Houston, C.J. Stroud opened the game with a 57‑yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins on the second play. The Texans finished 40‑20, improving to 9‑5 and extending their win streak to six games, solidifying their status as a serious playoff threat.
- Houston’s record: 9‑5, 6 straight wins
- Stroud’s first‑quarter TD: 57‑yard pass to Nico Collins
Both teams’ victories kept the AFC South competitive and underscored the importance of consistency in the final stretch of the season.
Raiders Lose, Eagles Celebrate
The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a 31‑0 blowout at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. Kenny Pickett completed only 15 of 25 passes for 64 yards and threw one interception, while the Eagles’ defense sacked him four times. The loss dropped the Raiders to 2‑12, their eighth consecutive defeat.
- Eagles’ record after win: 9‑5
- Pickett’s stats: 15 of 25, 64 yards, 1 interception
- Eagles’ offense: Jalen Hurts 12 of 15 for 175 yards, 3 TDs; Tanner McKee finished the game
- Eagles’ running back: Saquon Barkley 78 yards, 1 TD
The Eagles’ victory snapped their three‑game losing streak and highlighted a balanced offensive attack that combined a high‑efficiency passing game with solid rushing gains.
Key Takeaways
- Buffalo’s comeback and New England’s streak ending kept the AFC East race tight.
- Kansas City’s elimination and Mahomes’ injury marked a dramatic shift for the Chiefs.
- The Ravens’ shutout maintained their playoff hopes while the Bengals’ season ended.
- Cleveland’s defense, led by Garrett, showcased record‑near performance.
- Jacksonville and Houston’s wins preserved the AFC South rivalry.
- Philadelphia’s decisive win over Las Vegas ended a long losing streak and set a strong tone for the rest of the season.
Final Thoughts
Week 15 proved that even in the coldest, snowiest conditions, the NFL can deliver unforgettable moments. From dramatic comebacks to record‑tying sacks, the games highlighted the resilience and intensity that define the sport’s playoff chase.
Summary
The week’s outcomes shifted momentum across the league, with the Bills, Ravens, Browns, Jaguars, Texans, and Eagles all securing crucial victories. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, Patriots, Bengals, Raiders, and Bears faced setbacks that reshaped their playoff aspirations. As the season enters its final stretch, teams will need to maintain focus and consistency to capitalize on the opportunities presented by these pivotal games.
